December is step-up month

The final 4 games provide 5 Bears veterans a platform to make their case to remain with the team

December 08, 2004|By David Haugh.

1. David Terrell, wide receiver

Terrell cannot have as many drops in the final month as he had in the previous month, especially since the former first-round pick considers himself the Bears' No. 1 receiver. The organization seems to have been worn down by the proportion of news made off the field compared to on, making the final month a critical time for Terrell's future.

2. Rex Tucker, guard

The NFL is a cruel and unfair business, but Tucker has not measured up to his own or the Bears' standards since he returned to the field after his third straight serious injury. Whether his dislocated left elbow sapped him of strength or playing the unfamiliar right-guard spot made Tucker tentative, he has struggled. If Steve Edwards' hamstring limits him, Tucker could get a chance to redeem himself down the stretch. Cutting him and his high salary, while an option in the off-season, might be a risk if he returns to form.

3. R.W. McQuarters, defensive back

The Bears would be wise to keep one of their best playmakers, even at $2.75 million next season. But that makes him an expensive reserve defensive back, which he is likely to be heading into training camp. Rookie Nathan Vasher's emergence and the presence of Jerry Azumah make McQuarters the fourth most valuable cornerback--which is why he was switched to safety. But when Mike Brown returns, whither R.W.?

4. Alfonso Boone, defensive tackle

Ian Scott's surprise season could make Boone, a dependable veteran, expendable. Boone had two sacks against the Vikings and could make a strong case for staying in the final month. But with Scott, Tank Johnson and Tommie Harris, the Bears are loaded with younger, cheaper defensive tackles.

5. Paul Edinger, kicker

For some reason, Edinger's job gets challenged every training camp and fans snipe every season that he has lost some- thing. Even he will admit this hasn't been his best season, and the Bears expect more consistency. Still, if they dump one of the best kickers in team history, he is still young enough and good enough to make them regret it.